Will I Need Fillers After My Facelift?

Recently, a patient asked Dr. Benien if after their facelift, they would still need dermal fillers. What a great question!

We Age in More than One Way

As we age, our face change in a number of ways. As a result of time and gravity, our faces are subject to:

•Fine lines and wrinkles

•Skin pigmentation changes such as age spots

•Loss of volume such as hollow cheeks

•Loss of elasticity and sagging skin

Dr. Benien performs a number of treatments to address each of these issues. Laser skin resurfacing, injectable treatments including Botox® and dermal fillers, and facelift surgery are all viable options for treating these different signs of aging.

Facelifts and Fillers Target Different Aspects of Aging

It is important to understand that facelift surgery and injectable dermal fillers are used to address different aspects of aging. Whereas a facelift tightens lax, loose, and sagging skin in the face and neck, injectable dermal fillers are used to add volume to the face.

As a surgical procedure, a facelift can dramatically improve the cheeks, temple area, and jawline by tightening and repositioning sagging skin. A facelift further rejuvenates the face by smoothing out deep creases and wrinkles such as those along the nose and mouth. Volume loss, however, is not easily addressed during a facelift.

This is where fillers come in. Dermal fillers add volume to the face. The temples, cheeks, and area around the mouth can be enhanced using fillers such as Belotero®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse®. Newer fillers like Juvéderm® Volbella add beautiful fullness to the lips. By addressing more than one of the effects of aging, you are able to bring balance and cohesion to your face.

Yes, You May Need Fillers After a Facelift

So, to answer the question at hand, yes, you may still be a good candidate for dermal fillers after a facelift. However, there are other options. Many patients find that they are so pleased with the results of their facelift that fillers are no longer necessary. Facial fat grafting is another alternative. Fat grafting can be performed during your facelift. Lasting longer than fillers, fat grafting can greatly decrease the likelihood for future injections.